Former Major League Baseball player Richie Lewis says hes been struggling with depression ever since injuries cut his baseball career short after seven seasons in the big leagues.

But his wife and children say Richies problems go far beyond depression they claim Richie has a drinking problem and has become an embarrassment to the family.

I hate my drunk dad, Richies eldest daughter, McKenzie, says . I dont know my father as a sober, functioning person.

Richie flatly denies he has a problem with alcohol , telling Dr. Phil, I dont live my life as a drunkard.

After hearing Richies story, Dr. Phil called someone from Richies past former NFL and MLB star Deion Sanders, who was also Richies college teammate.

Im broken right now, Dr. Phil, because I know what he is, Deion says after joining Richie and his family on stage. He doesnt understand what hes been to me. He was the best pitcher in the country. He was the life of the team.

What Ive been seeing today is a shell of what he is, Deion adds.

Watch the video above as Deion pleads with his friend and former teammate to take the help Dr. Phil is offering before its too late.

This episode of Dr. Phil airs Wednesday.